Thailand probes 19 firms linked to rabbi stripped of Thai citizenship

Thai authorities are investigating 19 companies linked to Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor after his Thai citizenship was revoked, and checking whether relatives who hold Thai nationality have committed any offences, Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said on October 30, 2026.

Kantor is head of the Chabad network in Thailand and a leader of the country’s Jewish community. Polapee explained that the prime minister had signed the revocation order following a case referred by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to the Department of Provincial Administration.

According to Polapee, officials had established that Kantor continued to use his US nationality after acquiring Thai citizenship.

Relatives under investigation

The Department of Provincial Administration is identifying Kantor’s descendants and others who subsequently obtained Thai nationality. It is also examining whether his descendants and relatives living in Thailand who hold Thai citizenship have committed any offences.

Polapee indicated that similar action would be taken against anyone found to have committed violations.

Land and company holdings examined

Investigators are also examining when each plot of land held by Kantor was acquired and whether ownership breached Thai law. Polapee explained that the Department of Lands would require land to be sold if unlawful holdings during his period as a Thai citizen were established.

The Department of Provincial Administration’s investigation has identified 19 companies linked to Kantor. The Department of Lands and the Commerce Ministry’s Department of Business Development are coordinating their work to complete the case file promptly.

“If shareholdings exceed the proportions permitted by law, the companies will be treated as nominee businesses,” Polapee said.

The DSI and the Department of Lands are also compiling information to establish whether the 19 companies hold interests in other businesses.

“If offences are found, we will pursue asset seizures, freezes and compulsory sales in accordance with the law.”